In 2006, Al Qaeda documents found by US forces in Iraq showed that Libya surpassed other Arab countries in the number of citizens joining Al Qaeda.

Libya has been witnessing mass unrest against Gaddafi’s 41-year-old rule. According to international organisations, around 500 people have been killed and up to 4,000 injured in clashes with government forces since protests against Gaddafi’s regime began Feb 14.

A defiant Gaddafi, who has been in power since 1969, refused to step down despite mass uprising and vowed to die “a martyr” in his country.